Mission and Values

Mission Statement: The Arc of Tuscaloosa County provides supported employment, prevocational, day habilitation and hourly services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who are 21 years of age or older and reside in Tuscaloosa, Hale, Pickens, Bibb and Greene Counties. The agency maintains its position to advocate for the rights of all people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and promotes dignity, respect, and choice for all individuals served.

CORE Values

People First

The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.

Equity

The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.

Community

The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.

Self-determination

The Arc believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.

Diversity

The Arc believes that society in general and The Arc in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability).

History

The Arc of Tuscaloosa County was chartered in 1957. The program was originally designed to meet the need of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From 1957-1969, The Arc offered classes for preschool and school age children who were being excluded from public schools. The implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 began to address the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities receiving federal funds. As a result of the regulation mandating a “free and appropriate public education”, these children began to be served in the schools. Under Alabama state law, children with disabilities are entitled to services in the school system until the age of 21. The Arc of Tuscaloosa County shifted its program emphasis to adults.